BioShock Infinite '1999' difficulty unlocks with Konami code

By inputting the Konami Code, you can unlock BioShock Infinite's "1999 Mode" early, a difficulty modeled after classic shooters like System Shock 2 (which was released in 1999).

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The long-awaited (and well-reviewed) BioShock Infinite is finally out today. You might be tempted to jump right in to one of the game's three default difficulty settings, but if you crave a classic challenge you can enable it with a little wink-and-nod at a classic gaming reference.

Joystiq reports that by inputting a variation on the Konami Code, you can enable 1999 Mode. The mode's balance is modeled after the classic shooter System Shock 2, which was released in 1999, though we'd like to think the name is also a reference to how Ken Levine is going to party tonight. 1999 Mode is ordinarily unlocked after completing the game, but if you want to test your mettle when going through for the very first time, just input the appropriate code:

  • PC: Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, (Cancel key), (Confirm key)

  • PlayStation 3: Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, O, X

  • Xbox 360: Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A

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    March 26, 2013 7:15 AM

    Steve Watts posted a new article, BioShock Infinite '1999' difficulty unlocks with Konami code.

    By inputting the Konami Code, you can unlock BioShock Infinite's "1999 Mode" early, a difficulty modeled after classic shooters like System Shock 2 (which was released in 1999).

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      March 26, 2013 8:01 AM

      This just makes me smile.

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      March 26, 2013 8:14 AM

      It's a sad day for gaming when cheat codes and in game unlockables are adressed as luxury items in the game and things like cheats become such a big deal.

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      March 26, 2013 8:23 AM

      Really cool nod to the good old times from Irrational.

      Thumbs up for this. :-)

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      March 26, 2013 9:39 AM

      Has anyone tried it yet? The game is pretty difficult on hard so far, but not impossible. I'm wondering how this changes things.

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        March 26, 2013 11:32 AM

        From what I can tell, 1999 mode is slightly more difficult than Hard, and as a bonus (drawback?) you have to pay 100 coins every time you die.

        But you can avoid this by just doing a "Restart from Checkpoint" when you die. So, it's just a slightly more difficult mode.

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          March 26, 2013 11:35 AM

          Oh, I forgot: there's an achievement/trophy for completing 1999 mode after not buying anything from the Dollar Vendors. So yeah, a bit more challenging, but not by much due to the Checkpoints.

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      March 26, 2013 11:57 AM

      tonight we're gonna party like it's 1999

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